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Zucchini: The Perks, The Cons, and Why You Should Always Lock Your Car in August




Ah, zucchini season. You plant one little seedling, blink twice, and suddenly, you're running a full-scale vegetable operation from your backyard! It’s the gift that keeps on giving… and giving… and giving. So, let’s dig into the perks (and a few playful cons) of growing zucchini, plus some tips on how to enjoy it all year long.


🌿 Perks of Planting Zucchini

  • Easy Grower: Zucchini is one of the easiest veggies to grow, even for beginners! It’s hardy, quick to mature, and generous with its harvest.

  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins A, C, and potassium.

  • Versatile in the Kitchen: From baking to grilling, soups to spiralized noodles—there are endless ways to enjoy zucchini.

  • Edible Flowers: Did you know zucchini blossoms are edible? These bright yellow beauties aren’t just for the bees. You can stuff them with cheese, fry them in a light batter, or toss them into a salad for a garden-to-table treat.

  • Pollinator Magnet: Plant it near pumpkins, squash, or gourds to attract bees and other helpful insects to your garden.


⚠️ The Cons (If You Can Call Them That)

  • Zucchini Overload: One plant can give you dozens of zucchinis, often faster than you can eat. That’s where the legendary small-town joke comes in:

"In harvest season, make sure you lock your car, or you’ll find someone’s ‘extra’ zucchini on your front seat!"Trust me, it happens. (Looking at you, Aunt Martha.)

🐛 Pest Patrol


Zucchini can be pretty low-maintenance, but they attract pesky visitors like squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Here’s how to keep them under control:


  • Check Leaves Often: Flip the leaves over and look for clusters of eggs—remove them before they hatch.

  • Companion Planting: Plant zucchini with nasturtiums or marigolds to help repel pests naturally.

  • Floating Row Covers: These can keep bugs out while letting the sunshine in.

  • Handpick Bugs: It’s a bit of work, but grabbing pests early in the season can prevent a full-blown infestation later.


❄️ How to Keep Zucchini for Winter


Don’t worry about wasting those extras!


  • Grate & Freeze: This is perfect for tossing into muffins, loaves, soups, and stir-fries later. Just squeeze out the moisture before using.

  • Slice & Dehydrate: Makes crunchy chips or soup additions.

  • Pickle It: Yes, zucchini pickles are a thing—and they’re amazing!

  • Make and freeze Zucchini Bread: Prep a few loaves and freeze them for cozy winter snacks.


🌱 Why Plant Zucchini with Pumpkins and Other Squash?

Zucchini, pumpkins, and other squash can be great companions in the garden. They attract beneficial insects and encourage healthy pollination. Plus, their sprawling vines provide natural weed suppression and ground cover, keeping your soil happy and moist.BUT… if you’re planning to save seeds, you’ll want to give them a little space (and by “a little,” I mean a lot). These plants are notorious for cross-pollinating, which can lead to some weird and wacky squash surprises next season! If you want to grow them to eat, no worries—plant them together. But if you're saving seeds and want them true-to-type, plant different squash varieties far apart or use hand-pollination techniques.


🌸 Bonus Tip: Eat the Flowers!

Zucchini flowers are delicious and edible. Harvest the male flowers (they don’t produce fruit) in the morning when they’re fresh and wide open. You can stuff them with ricotta, dip them in batter, and fry them up—or enjoy them raw in a salad. Just be sure to leave some flowers for the bees and future zucchini!


Ready to plant zucchini this season? Just remember: one plant is often plenty! And if you end up with a mountain of extras, your neighbors will appreciate a drop-off… as long as you don’t sneak them into their unlocked cars. 😉


💚 Happy Gardening!

Jade @ Blooming Bee Gardening




 
 
 

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